Henry Damsgaard Hansen

Who was Mr Henry Damsgaard Hansen?

Mr Henry Damsgaard Hansen was a 20 (twenty) year-old Danish manufacturer who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Hansen was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated vessel, embarking on a journey to visit his brother in New York when disaster struck.

Early Life and Family

A Danish Upbringing

Henry Damsgaard Hansen was born on May 22, 1891, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the son of Marius Christian Hansen, a bookkeeper, and Ane Marie Hansen (née Christensen). His parents had married on November 16, 1878, in Norlem, Ringköbing, Denmark.

Henry was christened on July 19, 1891, following the Church of Denmark tradition. He grew up in a family with at least two siblings:

• Agnes Elvine Christine (born September 21, 1881, in Ringköbing)
• Hjalmar Einar August (born August 12, 1883, in Copenhagen)

Formative Years

In 1901, the Hansen family resided on Victoriagade (Victoria Street) in Copenhagen. This urban setting would have provided young Henry with exposure to the bustling life of Denmark’s capital city.

Education and Career

What was Henry Hansen’s professional background?

Henry Hansen’s career path was marked by both education and practical experience:

1. He graduated from a technical college in Copenhagen, showcasing his commitment to formal education.
2. By 1911, at the age of 20 (twenty), Hansen had already gained work experience as a shopkeeper in Lemvig, Ringköbing.
3. His occupation was noted as a “manufacturist” in Danish, which might indicate he was involved in factory work or manufacturing processes.

This combination of technical education and practical experience in retail and manufacturing set the stage for Hansen’s professional life, cut short by the Titanic disaster.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Transatlantic Adventure

In April 1912, Henry Hansen embarked on what was to be a life-changing journey. His destination was New York, where he intended to visit his brother. Little did he know that this trip would lead him into the annals of maritime history.

Key details of Hansen’s Titanic voyage:

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 350059
• Ticket Cost: £7, 17s, 1d
• Port of Embarkation: Southampton

The Tragic Sinking

On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean. Henry Hansen, like many third-class passengers, was unable to secure a place on a lifeboat and perished in the disaster.

Recovery and Identification

In the aftermath of the sinking, several ships were dispatched to recover bodies from the wreck site. The MacKay-Bennett, one of these recovery vessels, found Hansen’s body, which was designated as Body No. 69.

The description of Hansen’s recovered body provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

NO. 69 - MALE - ESTIMATED AGE, 24 - HAIR, LIGHT; CLEAN SHAVEN CLOTHING - Dark suit; black boots and socks. EFFECTS - Silver watch, chain and charm; empty purse; cigarette case; pocket book with tickets; money order for $12; bills for $9.00; 10 kroner. NO MARKS - THIRD CLASS - NAME - HENRY DAMSGAARD HANSEN, Denmark

This detailed account not only confirms Hansen’s identity but also provides a tangible connection to the personal items he carried with him on that fateful night.

Legacy and Family Impact

How did the Titanic disaster affect Hansen’s family?

The news of the Titanic’s sinking had a profound impact on Henry Hansen’s family, particularly his mother, Marie Hansen:

• Marie, who lived in Ringkøbing but was in Copenhagen at the time, reportedly fainted upon seeing a poster reporting the Titanic’s sinking.
• The family received financial compensation for their loss:
  • £20 from the Daily Telegraph Fund
  • An additional £50 from the Mansion House Relief Fund in January 1913

These compensations, while unable to replace the loss of a son, provided some financial relief to the grieving family.

Final Resting Place

In a solemn ceremony on April 24, 1912, Henry Damsgaard Hansen’s body was buried at sea. His personal effects were returned to his mother, providing a final, tangible connection to her lost son.

Henry Hansen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that comprised the larger disaster of the Titanic. His journey, cut short at the young age of 20 (twenty), reflects the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic, only to have their hopes dashed by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.